University of Hertfordshire celebrates being shortlisted for University of the Year 2025

As one of just six leading institutions shortlisted for the coveted ‘University of the Year 2025’ award — widely regarded as the highest honour in UK higher education — Herts was commended for its outstanding achievements in innovation, research impact, global engagement and student experience throughout the judging period.

In addition to being shortlisted for the top award, the University was also recognised in three further categories: Outstanding Estates Team, Outstanding Marketing and Communications Team of the Year and Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year - making Herts one of the five most shortlisted universities in the UK this year.

The winners were announced at a glittering ceremony at the EICC in Edinburgh last night [Thursday 13 November]. While Herts didn’t take home an award on the night, being shortlisted in four major categories marks a significant achievement and reflects the university’s continued excellence across the sector.

Professor Anthony Woodman, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hertfordshire, said:

“Although we didn’t take home an award this time, being shortlisted for Times Higher Education’s University of the Year 2025 - alongside three other major categories - is a powerful recognition of the incredible progress we’ve made as a university community.

“These nominations reflect the dedication of our staff, the ambition of our students, and our shared commitment to transforming lives through education, research and innovation.”

The University of the Year shortlisting recognised a remarkable period of growth and achievement for the University. In a challenging year for the higher education sector, Herts distinguished itself through financial resilience, innovation, and a bold international strategy that drove a record-breaking 11.5% increase in international student recruitment.

This success also contributed to Herts receiving the 2024 King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, making it the only UK university to receive this national honour.

Other major highlights from the 2023–24 academic year include:

• Opening of Spectra — a £100 million science and innovation hub for STEM businesses, now home to the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science.

• Securing the University’s largest-ever research grant — £13.5 million from Research England’s E3 Fund to launch the Biodetection Technologies Hub.

• Approval for Hertfordshire’s first Medical School, set to welcome its first students in 2026.

• Launch of Propeller Stage One, a commercial film studio opening early next year.

• Outstanding student experience, with top regional and national satisfaction rankings.

The University’s additional shortlisted nominations reflect the breadth and impact of its sector-leading initiatives. It’s Outstanding Estates Team nomination centred around the completion and opening of Spectra in September 2024. A landmark redevelopment, Spectra has transformed the student experience through state-of-the-art, industry-mirroring learning spaces and facilities, boosted sustainability features and enhanced testing capabilities to attract top-tier research and partnerships.

The Outstanding Marketing and Communications Team of the Year shortlisting celebrated the University’s 2024 Festival of Ideas. Its biggest free, in-person public event, over 4,600 people attended the two-day, award-winning showcase of the University’s research, enterprise, education and culture through over 70 exhibitions, performances, talks, workshops, interactive activities and more.

The University’s Student Opportunity Fund (SOF) - developed by the University’s Widening Access and Student Success Team – was the innovative initiative that secured the shortlisting for Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year. Launched in 2023/24 and recognised for its innovative approach to equity in higher education, SOF provides up to £2,000 annually to under-represented students, enabling access to enriching experiences such as international conferences, creative projects, and entrepreneurial ventures.